'Koyomo' means ‘vintage goat’ and is the colloquial operating name of esteemed Japanese brush manufacturer, Tsubokawa Mouhitsu, who are located in Kawajiri town, Hiroshima.
Koyomo purchased a large stock of these brushes in the 1970s, at a time when natural bristles were of a higher quality due to environmental factors. Global warming impacts bristle quality – the cleanliness of air and food.
Koyomo bristles refer to a highly prized type of goat hair sourced from the Yangtze River region of China, considered the best quality hair for brushes due to its exceptional softness and durability. this hair is rare and valuable because of its unique properties, including a full cuticle layer reaching the hair tip, resulting in brushes with delicate, smooth application on the skin and minimal friction, with the added benefit of becoming even better with use over time, making them highly sought-after in the makeup brush market.
KOYOMO BRISTLES
Key points about Koyomo bristles:
Origin: Goat hair from the Yangtze River region in China.
Rarity: Considered most valuable when harvested from goats before the 1970s.
Quality characteristics: Full cuticle layer reaching the hair tip, leading to exceptional softness and smoothness on the skin.
Brush performance: Brushes made with Koyomo hair are known for their delicate tips, minimal friction, and longevity, improving with use.
Types: Through their various collections, Koyomo sells 3 grades of bristles – otskoho, sokoho and the highest grade, saikoho.
KOYOMO COLLECTIONS
Nadeshiko Pink Series
The contrast between the pearl pink handles and lustrous white bristles of the Pearl Pink Nadeshiko Series is soft and sensuous, and make these brushes a treasure to own. Bristles: Ototsuho
Beni-Sakura Series
The glossy and metallic purple-pink of the ferrules and handles of the Beni Graduation ('purple' graduation) series provide a stunning contrast to the white lustre of the bristles. The bristles are around the shoulder area of the goat, which are soft with a moderate firmness and bounce. The elegant rounded shape of the handle fit snugly into the hand to make makeup application a comfortable, satisfying experience. Bristles: Ototusho
Pearl White Series
The contrast between the pearl pink handles and lustrous white bristles of the Pearl Pink Nadeshiko Series is soft and sensuous, and make these brushes a treasure to own. Bristles: Ototsuho
Walnut Shibucha Series
Feel the warmth of wood in your hand. The handle is made from walnut, famous as a material for high-quality furniture. Tsubokawa Mohitsu have emphasized the warmth and quality feel of the wood. The roundness of the handle is soft and feminine. This brush will make your time using it relaxed and warm. Bristles: Ototsuho
Hana-Sakura Series
The wooden base is coated with transparent lacquer and wiped with cloth several times, this process, called Fuki-urushi, is done to bring out the grain of the wooden material. The beautiful gloss, and the transparent wooden grain. Bristles: Ototsuho
Aizu-Nuri Hananuri Series
This brush is completed using the traditional Aizu lacquering method of "Tamamushi-nuri". "Tamamushi-nuri" is one of the methods of traditional Aizu lacquering, and after the Second World War it was widely exported to Europe. After applying a "Honkataji" base as with normal lacquering, silver powder is scattered over the whole surface, then "Tamamushi-urushi", colored red, is painted. The glossiness is adjusted, and the composition altered, in order to make the appearance more glass-like, which allows the pure silver to shine through and raise the base luster. The contrast between the pale white color of the "Koyomo", and the glossy, rich, deep, red color of the stem, is extremely beautiful. Bristles: Sokoho
Hananuri Tsuki Series
This brush is completed using the traditional Aizu lacquering method of "Tamamushi-nuri". "Tamamushi-nuri" is one of the methods of traditional Aizu lacquering, and after the Second World War it was widely exported to Europe. After applying a "Honkataji" base as with normal lacquering, silver powder is scattered over the whole surface, then "Tamamushi-urushi", colored red, is painted. The glossiness is adjusted, and the composition altered, in order to make the appearance more glass-like, which allows the pure silver to shine through and raise the base luster. The contrast between the pale white color of the "Koyomo", and the glossy, rich, deep, red color of the stem, is extremely beautiful. Bristles: Saikoho
Yuki Shinogi Series
For the Yuki series, the handles are finished with ‘Tamamushi-nuri’, a type of Aizu lacquerware, in their characteristic red and black hues. With it have a luxurious appeal and exquisite appearance, the brushes are also pleasing to hold. Bristles: Saikoho
